Sale of cats or dogs.

Existing law regulates the sale of dogs and cats in this state, including provisions governing the retail sale of dogs and cats. This bill would make it unlawful for specified people and entities, in specified mediums, to advertise, call attention to, or give publicity to the sale or transfer of a dog or cat for which the statements about or pictures of the dog or cat are made or presented without the actual intent to sell or offer the exact dog or cat advertised or the statements about the dog or cat being advertised or offered for sale are known to be untrue or misleading. The bill would make a violation of these provisions a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by a fine not exceeding $2,500, or by both that imprisonment and fine. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.